Heptahelical receptor signaling: beyond the G protein paradigm.

The focus of work in this laboratory is on the elucidation of the molecular properties and regulatory mechanisms controlling the function of G protein-coupled receptors. As model systems we utilize the so called adrenergic receptors for adrenaline and related molecules. The goal is to learn the general principles of signal transduction from the outside to the inside of the cell which are involved in systems as diverse as sensory perception, neuro- transmitter and hormonal signaling. Stud

Critical physiological events throughout the body are controlled by extracellular signals from neurotransmitters and hormones acting on cell surface receptors. Receptors transduce these signals to alter intracellular metabolism and cellular responsiveness through heterotrimeric G protein/second messenger pathways or through small GTP-binding protein/protein kinase cascades. The mechanisms that control the responsiveness of target organ G protein-coupled receptors include receptor ph